Crystal Hayden and Chris Jenkins were both recognized for their exceptional work at the recent BEYA Conference. Hayden, the deputy chief of contract and program management at the NSA, is a supportive leader who encourages others to find their niche. Jenkins, an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories, is highly respected in cyber-physical and embedded systems and conducts research for national security and space systems.

Seventeen years ago, as a young adult, Crystal accepted a job at NSA, leaving everything she knew and loved for an uncertain career opportunity. Taking that risk paid off, and she encourages others to find their niche and run with it. Her biggest challenge has been helping others realize that technical solutions are not solely developed by tech-savvy individuals.

“Accepting a job at NSA seventeen years ago as a young adult changed my life. I was an only child leaving everything I knew and loved for a career opportunity I wasn’t sure was a perfect fit. I’m so glad I took that risk. My biggest challenge has been helping others realize that not just the techie folks can solely develop the technical solutions. There is more to this career than just coding. Find your niche and run with it; we all have a role.”

Jenkins didn’t know any engineers growing up, but his parents inspired him to seek higher education. He credits them for setting the structure that helped him succeed as a first-generation college student. He earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, his master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and his Ph.D. from the same institution.

“It always seemed like a mystical concept that I was destined to discover,” he said. “Three degrees later, I am truly thankful for the structure my parents set and the multitudes along the way who helped me succeed.”

Jenkins is an engineer at Sandia National Laboratories and is highly respected in cyber-physical and embedded systems. His research explores integrating moving target defense into real-time communication systems for national security and space systems. He was awarded for his significant contributions to discovering, developing, and implementing new technologies that revolutionize how people live and work.